John Mackin Finn

1940 - 2025

John Mackin Finn

Germantown , MD - John Mackin Finn of Germantown , MD died September 18, 2025 after a long illness. Born on December 28, 1940 in Cambridge, MA to Albert "Tab" and Margaret "Peg" (Mackin) Finn, John moved to Greenfield, MA at age five. He is survived by his beloved wife Carole "Suzzie" (Books) Finn, son Daniel Luke Finn, stepdaughter Alicia Kelly, and grandson Hunter Kelly who was raised by John and Suzzie. He is also survived by his much-loved siblings Mary Lawler, Kathleen Smith, Sarah Finn (John Kelly), Betty Finn (Thomas Getz), and Daniel (Therese). His sister Teresa preceded John in death as well as his brothers-in-law Francis Lawler and Gene Smith. He leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

John graduated from Deerfield Academy cum laude in 1959, and attended both Georgetown University-graduating with honors in 1963 and listed in Who's Who in American Colleges - and Boston College Law School (JD 1966) on full scholarships. John's participation in the Crossroads Africa program in Kenya his junior summer at Georgetown had a lasting impact.

John's love and deep knowledge of the rule of law, our government, and the constitution was evident as he served as Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts under Elliott Richardson, on US Congressman Silvio Conte's staff, and as Minority Counsel for the House Small Business Committee. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, US Supreme Court Bar (the first in his law school class) and the US Tax Court.

Returning to Greenfield, he distinguished himself as Assistant District Attorney, ran for District Attorney, and was in private law practice. He was awarded for his active pro bono work, served as president of the Franklin County Bar Association, served on various Massachusetts Bar Association committees, and as a Farren Hospital Board Trustee.

Returning to Washington in 1991, John worked on The Hill as a Legislative Consultant to Senator John Kerry and Legislative Assistant to Rep. John Tierney. John last served as Legislative Counselor, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

His love of politics began early as his mother had John canvassing in the 1952 Presidential election. He continued to work on various campaigns for candidates and issues he believed in throughout his life and wrote opinion pieces in their support.

An excellent writer and effective speaker, John had a reputation for professionalism, integrity, bipartisanship, a sense of humor, and good judgment.

But he is most lovingly remembered for the kind, gentlemanly conduct of his life and its impact upon those fortunate to be in his orbit.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 2:00 PM; Covenant United Methodist Church; 20301 Pleasant Ridge Drive; Montgomery Village, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of John Mackin Finn to McKenna's Wagon. Mail checks to McKenna's Wagon, Prevention of Homelessness, ATTN: Sue Marshall, 14 Kennedy Street NW, Washington DC, 20011